Not sure what to account for when writing a review for a hardware store, but I’ve been here twice and the customer service is stellar. The young gent with the glasses is the man! My girlfriend, her father, and his girlfriend wanted to buy locks to put on the purple people bridge. We also wanted to engrave the locks, clearly something that ACE doesn’t normally do for customers. The worker did it for us and was very happy to help. Once again, I will continue to come back because of how helpful this gentleman always is.
Ryan D.
Place rating: 5 Cincinnati, OH
This place is fantastic! It goes way back and has most everything you could need including custom cut glass, custom keys and local produce in addition to all the regular hardware wares. The only thing they don’t have is a custom paint cryer but let’s be honest, paint boulder be a at the moment decision so plan to go somewhere else when you wanna paint. Whew, glass that’s out there. Let’s get back to how awesome Clifton Ace is: 1: the customer service is so helpful and friendly, and fun fact they’re mostly all local artists too! You can check out their art at Clifton Fest this weekend! 2: the local crafts and produce/bake goods are such a nice local touch and are equally delicous. My personal favorite is the baked bread that is so moist and flavorful, and affordable. 3: the selection has at least one or two of anything you can possibly need in a pinch. Every time it go in I pretend I know what I’m doing and before too long an Ace representative asks if I need help and points me in the right direction(thank you!!) 4: fun fact that the Famous old Ludlow Garage performance space is where Ace is now! Check out the vintage band posters on the wall on the way in, or the plaque outside on the sidewalk for all the cool detes!
Jill C.
Place rating: 5 Cincinnati, OH
This was such a great addition to Clifton! Every time I walk in, I’m surprised by how large the store is, and, more recently, they’ve been hosting a local farmer on Saturdays who sells produce, and they have copy machine, and a rack of Servatti’s breads. It’s not just a hardware store, it’s a cornerstone in the Clifton community. I usually hate when I walk in a(clothing) store and the sales associate is right there to ‘help.’ But, in a hardware store, I love it. It’s not a place I wonder into to browse, I’m usually on a mission, and I don’t think I’ve once walked into Ace and not been offered help. Maybe it’s because I’m a girl, but I’m a fairly handy girl, and appreciate the guidance to the correct isle. Every.time. My fave story about this place has to do with my faucet. The aerator(the thing that screws into the end of a kitchen faucet to produce consistent flow) on my kitchen faucet broke off(long story) leaving threads in the faucet. So, while I was standing in the plumbing isle looking for something that I could use to fix the problem, a sales associate asked if I needed help(of course). I explained the problem, he said, ‘uh, wait here a minute,’ and came back with enforcements. I forget the gentleman’s name, but he stood there and explained to me that if I soaked the faucet in hot vinegar, my problem would be solved. I went home, and while it wasn’t quite that simple, it totally worked. And, I felt super accomplished. All of that being said, I have, on one occasion, walked in and the store didn’t have what I needed-some silly light bulb. And, they were not above saying, «we don’t have it, you’ll have to go to a ‘bigger store’» to find something that unique. While they don’t have a parking lot, there are 1 – 2 ‘loading only’ parking places right in front of the store.
Kyla M.
Place rating: 5 Cincinnati, OH
I’m a girl. A not handy girl. And I LOVE this place. They never act like I’m a dumb girl when I go in there. They are incredibly helpful and nice. They always ask what you’re looking for, and then WALK you to the aisle, and help you pick it out. It’s awesome! And they don’t give my kid the evil eye when she’s acting crazy.
Justin M.
Place rating: 5 Cincinnati, OH
Sometimes when you need something from a hardware store you are never able to actually find one around. Yes, there are a lot of small hardware stores all over but they are either A. Hard to find or B. not up to par when it comes to stock or selection. ACE Hardware though, at least this location, is amazing. It’s has that small mom and pop hardware store feel while also providing a decent selection. It is a long store with close aisles so be sure to ask an employee where you should head for what you need. Speaking of employees, they are what keep me coming back. They aren’t narcissistic know-it-alls that belittle you for not knowing bolt sizes or paint types. They legitimately try to help you and get you exactly what you want all while answering any questions you have. They offer all of your typical services, including key making and paint mixing. ACE has a small town hardware store feel to it. This is exactly why I love it. Sure, it won’t have EVERYTHING you would get from a larger hardware store or even a different ACE, but it makes for a perfect little drop in hardware store if you are in need of something. I’ve yet to not find what I want and for that, I will be back.
Leisa W.
Place rating: 5 Nashville, TN
I absolutely loved this place! It’s local business, the way things were before anyone ever thought of the big box hardware store. These folks actually KNOW what they are talking about, and are so helpful! My experience there was with paint. I had picked out a paint from one of the big box stores, and it looked terrible on the wall(not their fault). I started to tell the paint guy the issue, and he said, «Hold on just a sec – I can tell you all the pros and cons of this paint, but let me get this other guy; he is fantastic when you are talking color». So I talked to the other guy, and he asked some very perceptive questions, and we ended up with exactly what we wanted! So recommend this store!
Natalie L.
Place rating: 5 Cincinnati, OH
I can’t even begin to describe how great it is to have a hardware store two blocks down the road. The employees are super friendly and knowledgeable, always willing to take the time to listen to you ramble on about your household project and ready to jump in with their own ideas and suggestions. If you are a DAAP student with a frequent shopper card they will usually knock 10% off the total cost of anything you buy for school-related projects. And they’re open until 8pm on week nights!
Cindy G.
Place rating: 5 Cincinnati, OH
This place just knocks me off my feet. I went in after a 6 month hiatus asking for some string, and the owner greeted me by name. Holy crap. Service is extraordinary. Best service I have ever had in my life. Actually walked me to the string, explained the difference and carried my items to the checkout. Has everything you need and more. I will drive from two towns over to come back here.
Jackie S.
Place rating: 4 Bellingham, WA
Let me count the reasons I love thee: Ace hardware on Ludlow. 1)They sell everything from hammers to candy thermometers to exactly the little doodad you are looking for. 2)Suppose some freak occurrance actually, well, occurs… And they don’t have what you’re looking for; the creative minds working the floor will help you find a solution that fits your needs. 3)My dog loves this place. He bee lines into the store when we walk down Ludlow. It must smell awesome in there to his little sniffer and I think the Ace milk bones behind the counter are somehow better than the ones at home. 4)They are right across the street from the library, so make your trip a two– fer! While your at it, hit up Habenaro and grab the carton of eggs you needed from JAG Deep’s grocery. Did I mention CVS is right down the street? 5) It is a dream world for people who like the neat and orderly. As my grandma always says, «for everything a place and everything in its place.» 6) Buy local. Ok, they do have the big and corporate ACE branding, but what I like about this store is that it hires local people, it serves local needs, and it attracts more business to Ludlow. Yes, it might cost you a bit more dough to support this neighborhood store compared to going to Lowes or Home Depot. However, to offset the slight price discrepancy to big box stores., maybe you can save on gas or by buying the store brand or place some monetary value on the knowledge and helpfulness of the staff. 7) It’s in a historic building. Wouldn’t you love to shop in the same place that the Allman brothers rocked out in?
Ryan B.
Place rating: 2 Oakland, CA
While the convenience of so many handy products close to home is nice, I dread going in due to the horrible customer service. Most times I’ve entered the store, the employees are rude and make me feel pretty dumb because I don’t share their knowledge of light bulbs and paintbrushes. When necessary, I’ll go in and quickly buy what I need, but I’ll rush out before I’m made to feel unwanted and stupid.
Allie d.
Place rating: 4 Cincinnati, OH
ridiculously helpful employees. decent prices, especially for the convenient location. clean, organized store. love it.
Alex S.
Place rating: 4 London, United Kingdom
I know Ace Hardware is a heartless, evil, multinational chain that drives mom and pop hardware stores out of town — but you kind of forget all that when walking into here. This store actually feels like a mom and pop hardware store. Dammit, the store tricks you! This is tucked away inside the Ludlow Garage, home to things like local yoga studios, so it already has that neighborhood-appeal. Walking in, there aren’t flashing signs or annoying customers — most of the time, it’s just you. There are a few employees mulling about, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen more than 6 people in here at a time. They also hire the nicest people. The last time I was there, I was helped by an elderly gentleman who put together some paint for me and then rung up by a teenage girl. If that doesn’t feel like neighborhood shop, I don’t know what does. Their selection is also lacking from your normal Ace Hardware, since it’s a much smaller shop than you’d normally find from them(although it is deceptively long, and keeps going back farther than you think it does). Still, if you’re working on a basic household project and need something like a screw or paint or rope, they’ve got you covered. I’m really actually disturbed by how much this chain feels like a hardware store of yesteryear. This trickery will not stand, dammit! … I’ll also probably continue shopping there often.